What are the Inaudible and Invisible in Taoism? 什么是希夷
Paul PengWhat are the Inaudible and Invisible in Taoism?
Yi denotes the colorless, and Xi the soundless—this term describes the Dao as existing in an imperceptible, ethereal state of emptiness.
What are the Inaudible and Invisible in Taoism?
Chapter 14 of the Dao De Jing states: "That which cannot be seen is named Yi; that which cannot be heard is named Xi." Practitioners of Internal Alchemy regard this as the characteristic of primordial Qi. Volume 72 of The Compendium of Taoist Rituals and Methods notes: "Xiyi is the treasure of emptiness and spontaneity, the primordial Qi of one’s parents. Primordial Qi is the purest and most unadulterated thing in the world, beyond full description with words. Xi means the utmost subtlety; Yi means tranquility and nourishment."
